The Lok Sabha Elections are set to commence in Manipur which has experienced months of ethnic violence that has displaced over 50,000 people to relief camps. The Election Commission of India has started to prepare for the challenging task of holding Lok Sabha elections in the state where the poll scene is almost muted.
The apex poll body has identified over 24,500 people eligible for casting votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections and special arrangements are underway, according to Chief Electoral Officer, Pradeep Kumar Jha.
“A total of 2,955 polling stations will be set up in the state for the Lok Sabha elections, out of which around 50 per cent have been identified as sensitive, vulnerable or critical. Additionally, 94 special polling stations will be set up to facilitate voting by internally displaced persons (IDPs),” he said.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines, vulnerability mapping of hamlets, villages, and electoral segments prone to threats and intimidation is carried out before elections.
Special teams have been established to address these voters with sensitivity, and we have initiated voter awareness campaigns. These efforts are tailored to accommodate the feelings of displaced individuals who have lost the security of their homes, often experiencing frustration and negativity, Jha said.
Manipur violence
The ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur has resulted in the death of at least 219 individuals since it erupted on May 3 last year, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ held in the hill districts to oppose the Meitei community’s push for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
The Lok Sabha elections in Manipur is scheduled in two phases on April 19 and 26. Various civil society groups and affected individuals have raised questions about the significance of holding elections in a state ravaged by conflict. There have also been calls from multiple quarters to boycott the polls.
Special Arrangements for Manipur
Jha shared the state’s voter statistics, revealing that there are over 20 lakh voters, with women outnumbering men. “Historically, the state has witnessed high voter turnout in previous elections, indicating the public’s trust in the electoral process. Despite some apprehensions, we are actively promoting awareness to emphasise the importance of every vote and implementing confidence-building measures,” he stated.
Over 200 paramilitary force companies will ensure both access and safety for displaced voters. “We are extensively securing the state, with ongoing video surveillance and monitoring of entry and exit points. While security concerns are understandable given the state’s conflict, we are addressing them,” he assured.
In the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections in Manipur, the usual campaign elements such as party posters, rallies, and leader appearances are notably absent due to the prevailing violence. Instead, local election authorities have put up hoardings urging citizens to vote. Major party figures have also refrained from campaigning in the conflict-affected state.
Jha acknowledged the subdued campaign atmosphere but clarified that the Election Commission of India has not imposed any restrictions. “Campaigning is permitted within the boundaries of the model code of conduct,” he said.
(With PTI inputs)